More domestic violence cases reported in Abilene

Abilene man shot breaking into home of ex-girlfriend

Abilene numbers on average 170 family violence cases each month. The shooting of a man early Wednesday morning after he broke into his former girlfriend's home is a reflection of that statistic.

But while family violence cases increased in 2012, Abilene Police Department Chief Stan Standridge surmised that it could be a reflection of better reporting.

"Violence has increased in 2012 when compared to 2011, but has leveled out," he said. "So we hope it is on par with 2011 or less."

A domestic violence case turned deadly Wednesday when Earnest Gonzales, 34, was shot and killed as he apparently tried for the second time to break into the home of Lawanda Taylor in the 1000 block of Minda Lane.

According to a statement issued by Sgt. Lynn Beard of the APD's Crimes Against Persons unit, police were called to the home at 8:14 p.m. Christmas Day. At the scene, Taylor told police that Gonzales, her estranged ex-boyfriend, had attempted to kick in a side door to get into the house. Gonzales fled after he discovered Taylor called the police.

Shortly after 2 a.m. Wednesday, Gonzales returned, forced open the front door and assaulted Taylor, police reported. Taylor's children — a 16-year-old and a newborn child — were present at the time.

During the assault, Taylor retrieved a .380-caliber handgun, which she legally owned, and fired one shot, striking Gonzales in the left side, the police statement said.

Gonzales left the residence and was located by officers in the front yard. He was transported to Hendrick Medical Center where he died.

His body was sent to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy.

This case will be presented to a Taylor County grand jury for review, Beard wrote in the statement, but police do not expect any criminal charges to be filed against Taylor.

Counselors from the Regional Crime Victims' Crisis Center and advocates from the Noah Project responded to the scene and assisted Taylor, police said.

In November, the APD launched the Special Victims Unit, which works closely with groups like the Noah Project and RCVCC. The unit focuses on child abuse, sexual assault and family violence cases.

Standridge said that in 2012 his officers have been particularly focused on providing information on victims' services when responding to calls. It's rooted in the idea that even though the victim might understand what the officer is telling them, the emotional heights of the moment can impede the comprehension of true seriousness of their situation and the type of assistance they can receive.

"What we are trying to do is get the victim to receive follow-up services," Standridge said. "They're in the middle of a crisis, what we have to be is intentional in our communication so we communicate the right thing at the right time."

The roots of family violence are not easy to define. Standridge said the common belief that it picks up during the holiday season doesn't necessarily hold true.

"We are facing complex societal problems that can only be addressed through a community effort," he said. "I define 'community' as not only the police department, but also state and local government, churches, services like Noah Project, RCVCC, and other groups."

Many times officers can only do so much when responding to family violence cases. Standridge said victims rarely take advantage of these services in many cases.

"Unfortunately, less than 20 percent of all family violence victims in Abilene desire to be contacted by these follow-up services," he said. "We want more victims to participate in these services."